Accessibility to public spaces: Boosting ecosystem services in urban areas in four Latin American cities

Urban public spaces with greenery significantly enhance ecosystem services, yet accessibility to these areas varies across Latin American cities. A study analyzing four cities—Cartagena de Indias and Medellín (Colombia), Valparaíso (Chile), and Quito (Ecuador)—revealed that while most citizens have good access to public spaces within 15 minutes, accessing vegetated or green-dominant areas often requires longer distances. The research classified public spaces using high-resolution satellite imagery and assessed physical accessibility via spatial analysis of road networks, considering walking times. Findings underscore the importance of integrating greenery into urban planning to maximize ecosystem services, improve environmental quality, and boost public health and wellbeing.

Montoya-Tangarife, C., Villamizar Duarte, N., Jorquera Guajardo, F., Cardenas, M. F., & Giraldo-Ospina, T. (2022). Accessibility to public spaces: Boosting ecosystem services in urban areas in four Latin American cities. Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2022.796122